I have recently bought a '03 Octavia 1.9TDi with Symphony HU and 6 CD Changer. I would like to know if it is possible to connect my Creative Zen Vision M:30 Gb to the back of the Symphony HU?

I know that I will not be able to control the tracks etc but I just want it to route directly into the HU rather than use a cassette adaptor or an FM unit. I have heard of DIN-3.5mm headphone jacks which can be plugged into HUs and then into the headphone jack of the MP3 player like this one. I will then make up a cradle which allows me to charge from USB and can play using the 'CD' of the HU.

Any ideas how I would go about the HU to Zen setup? Or is it a case of visiting my Skoda service centre in Chippenham, Wilts?

Thanks in advance

Welcome to Briskoda.

IIRC you can get an adaptor, but you loose the CD Changer, as it uses the connector on the rear. But to no loss really with a good HD size mp3 player.

Welcome GLOC,

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the Symphony HU doesn't have an aux-in input. The connections to the 6 CD changer do contain the left and right audio channels but the problem is the control signals. I'm not aware of any aftermarket equivalent of the lead you mention for the Skoda HU. A few people have made their own "box of tricks" that mimics the CD changer so you can connect a MP3 player and control it from the HU but this is technical stuff !

Personally, I think you're better off ditching the rather mediocre stock HU and buying a decent one that will connect directly to your MP3 player.

Thanks Guys. I know that I would lose the CD changer in the back and also would not be able to control the Zen from the HU. AFAIK there isn't a HU which allows control of a Zen in the UK. What I want to be able to do is something like this

Zen Vision:M pictures from music photos on webshots

apart from the fact that I don't want the horrible wood effect and leather trim

Is there anything in the back of the HU which would allow me to connect a 3.5mm headphone jack (I don't have the tools to take the unit out of the dash atm - I presume I need the 6-star screwdriver heads for that). What are the L/R audio inputs on the back of the Symphony unit like?

Thanks again.

I have considered an adapter thingy (technical term) which is like a cassette tape which is inserted in the HU and has a wire sticking out to connect the MP3 player. Get them from Maplins priced £10 or probably Tesco for similar. Don't know if it will work on the Symphony but might be worth a try.

What's wrong with the tasteful wood/leather and well worn automatic gear lever? Looks fab!

Thanks for that George, but I have already got one of those and I don't like it that much. Would like a neater solution if possible.

After doing some searching following leads here, I think this is what I need.

Low Cost Car Audio | Aux Interfaces | Skoda | Connects2 CTVSKX001 - Aux Adapter - Skoda

I can then get a cable which will connect to the docking mount to the audio inputs of the Connect2 adaptor which will allow me to play the Zen through the CD selection.

Thanks and hopefully this thread will provide some help for others who are in my boat who don't have an iPod!

Regards